5-Day 4-Night Ultimate Guide to Healing Your Summer Heat in Dali

June marks early summer with pleasant weather, perfect for travel. Highly recommend Dali, Yunnan—boasting cool temperatures, stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage, ideal for leisure, photography, foodies, and in-depth exploration. Here's the detailed guide: **Why Choose Dali?** - **Comfortable Climate**: Average 18-25°C in June, a perfect summer retreat. - **Breathtaking Scenery**: Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, pastoral views, and ancient town charm. - **Festivals & Culture**: Torch Festival (late June), Bai ethnic experiences. - **Great Value**: Off-peason with fewer crowds, affordable flights and accommodations. **5-Day Itinerary** **Day 1: Dali Ancient Town & Surroundings** - Morning: Explore **Dali Ancient Town** (Renmin Road, Foreigner Street, Wuhua Tower), visit the morning market (North Gate Market). - Afternoon: Bike or taxi to **Caicun Pier**, stroll along Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor. - Evening: Nightlife in the ancient town (bars, handicraft shops), recommend **Big Ice’s Little House** for live music. **Day 2: West Erhai Lake Loop** - Highlights: Private car or bike (e-bike/bicycle). Route: Ancient Town → **Panxi Village S-Bend** → **Langqiao** → **Xizhou Ancient Town** (rice fields, Yan Family Compound, Xizhou Baba) → **Haishi Park** (Couple Trees). - Food: Try pea jelly and rushan cheese in Xizhou for lunch. **Day 3: Light Hike in Cangshan Mountain** - Morning: Take **Gantong Cable Car** to **Cangshan Mountain**, visit **Qingbi Stream** and **Jizhao Nunnery** (most beautiful nunnery, vegetarian meals). - Afternoon: Descend to **Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas** (Dali landmark, stunning sunset photos). **Day 4: East Erhai Lake Drive/Private Car** - Route: **Shuanglang Ancient Town** (Yang Liping’s Sun Palace) → **Wase Town** → **Xiaoputuo Island** → **Wenbi Village** (Rainbow Road) → **Ideal State** (Santorini-style photo spot). - Tips: Best for soft evening light. **Day 5: Shaxi Ancient Town (Optional)** - If time allows, visit **Shaxi Ancient Town** (2h drive), filming location of *Meet Yourself*, pristine and tranquil. **Accommodation** - **Ancient Town**: Convenient for nightlife (e.g., "Dali Ancient Town No.1 Courtyard"). - **Erhai Lakeside**: Caicun/Longkan Pier (seaview B&Bs like "Awakening by Erhai"). - **Shuanglang**: Luxury seaview rooms (e.g., "Moonlight Among Pines"). **Must-Try Foods** - Snacks: Grilled rushan cheese, erkuai rice cakes, cold chicken rice noodles, Yangbi rolled rice sheets. - Meals: Sour-spicy fish (Erhai fish), Yongpan braised chicken, wild mushroom hotpot (seasonal in June). - Restaurants: **Fuxing Courtyard** (Bai cuisine), **Sifangjie Eatery** (Xizhou). **Tips** 1. **Sun Protection**: Strong UV—use SPF50+, hats, sunglasses. 2. **Transport**: Rent a car (~¥300-400/day) or e-bike (¥50-80/day) for Erhai loop. 3. **Rain Ready**: Occasional showers—carry an umbrella. 4. **Cultural Respect**: Avoid touching ritual items in Bai villages. **Budget (Per Person)** - Flights: Round-trip ¥1500-3000 (varies by departure). - Accommodation: ¥200-800/night. - Food + Tickets: ¥100-150/day. - Total: ¥3000-5000 (5 days). Dali in June—breezy, floral, vibrant yet poetic—is calling for your healing getaway!